joker72z

Hi Martin, Nice to hear from you. How is the old girl doing? Have you done anything to her since bringing her home?

April was beautiful and then May decided to turn back the thermometer. I'm hoping that the heat comes soon as i like driving my Z with the windows down.

Thanks guys...I was very surprised when I started sorting through it. This week end I pull the seats, carpets and inspect the floors more closely. I've already got the new carpets coming from MSA and I just may have some new interior bits this week end from a fellow 260 owner here in Ontario. It's going to be a fun summer. Chris

I was thinking about that...I may have to do one of 2 things...change the name or buy another '72. I know which way I am leaning.

Well...as I mentioned to the boys in Ontario, I didn't think I would buy another one so soon but I couldn't resist any longer. This week end I took possession of my latest project...a 1/74 260Z with 65,000 original miles. it started life as a blue Z but was repainted silver many moons ago. I was very surprised when it was delivered to have a binder full of documentation that goes back 27 years and supports the maintenance and mileage along the way. that was a sweet little treasure to find. It is all steel, very minor issues of rust and it runs like a champ. L26, 4 speed with headers, exhaust, full tokico suspension done by Whitehead performance here in Toronto, '71 carb conversion. It has an off white interior that I'm not fond of but the dash is crack free and it's complete. The bumpers are there but they aren't in great shape so I am on the lookout for early bumpers to install. For now, the car needs to be cleaned, carpets changed, a few minor things like tune up, detailing the engine bay, etc. I think I'll keep this one for a while as it's too solid a car to part with. Looking forward to the sunny days as I feel the need for a cruise. Chris

If it offends the discussion group, then feel free to have the mods delete the thread.

I actually scoured the classifieds firs to see if there was anything available. I also considered the Australian interior but I agree that it's price prohibitive to ship from AUS to Canada. I would appreciate if anyone does have anything to shoot me an email...

I just picked up a very clean 1/74 260Z and it has a white or off white interior. I am looking specifically for nice door panels but would consider almost any interior trim pieces. Please email me what you have and what you would like to get from them. joker72z@yahoo.com Chris thanks

Marty, I sent you a PM with some details... Chris

I cleaned my washer bottle with Simple Green and a white scrub pad used for cleaning glassware. It did a fantastic job and didn't damage the plastic....but you need to try and clean both the inside and the outside...just used a diluted amount inside and a small brush like a pot brush. I don't have any pics but I was amazed at the outcome. Chris

When I had the '72 in Vancouver, I used the Eibach lowering springs, new struts and dropped the car 1.5 inches...I had the 15x7 Konig rewinds with 195/55/15 Kumhos as I didn't want to go too wide....and there was absolutely no rubbing issues. If I was to do it again, I would go 16" wheels, wider tire and maybe not lower the car at all but go a taller sidewall to fill the space. A couple of pics with the rewinds for you. Chris

If you are looking for some really serious, original sheet metal....have a look at these. This fellow had a nice 240Z and hese 1/4's were in his basement for a long time. Expensive but they are real and rust free. http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-auto-body-parts-240Z-full-rear-quarter-panels-left-right-W0QQAdIdZ145667927 Cut and paste into your browser...They are in Toronto, Canada. Chris

I emailed him and asked for pics of the underside and to detail what the rut issues are. He advised would post them up later tonight. It'll be interesting to see for sure and I have some extra $$ right now as I sold my '72 yesterday. That and its only a few hours away make it more attractive to buy.

Tom, I have travelled the Duffy as well and I think it is one of the most scenic drives I have ever taken. Coming from Ontario and being in BC, I thought it was just mountains and "stuff" but I was almost speechless at some points. I think that drive compares, even surpasses the drive through Arizona where the lands change from scrub, to green to massive red rock. great story by the way. Chris

Thanks deadflo, remember that the car was lowered almost 2 inches with the new suspension. If I had to do it over again, I think I might go with 16inch wheels and perhaps 205/60/16 to help fill the wheel well while maintaining nice ride quality. I appreciate the feedback...again, I miss that car.

I figured that it would need to be washed with some sort of degreaser for sure. TSP works well and isn't too caustic so that will likely be the first step.

Zedyone, I loved that car and those covers but it now resides with a nice fellow in the Northwest territories. I sold it before I left the west coast last year and really regret it these days as they were the original JDM covers, not aftermarket. Oh well...perhaps one day I'll see another pair...but they won't come cheap. Your car is beautiful by the way.

All very good ideas...I will give the console a go very shortly and I will take before and after shots. Thanks again for the great tips. Chris

Dennis, Do you remember what brand of paint is was at True-Value? It looks like a great job and that is what I was shooting for. thanks Chris

I did the wash and let it dry...the console is out of the car by the way. it did not really clean up like I thought. I wanted to see if I was missing something in the process as it doesn't look black and lean. perhaps a quick spray of SEM trim black would work?

I used to use Armor-all but I'm looking for a solution that will actually clean the plastic better. I thought for sure the soapy water would have worked better but it left the console looking a little "milky".

My black 240Z was lowered with Eibachs and I ran the rewinds with 195/55/15 Kumho's...even over some bumps, the tires never rubbed. I also like the look of this combo over a bigger, stretched tire.

It's definitely not as good as the newer 4 cylinders cars but you aren't buying it for that reason. As mentioned, it might be comparable to approximately 8-9L/100km. Adding to that you might want to use premium fuel and it will cost you more than your average Civic or Corolla. My thoughts have always been this: If I can't afford to fill it, I shouldn't own it. My .02

So I have been reading for an hour and trying to find a thread on someone cleaning their center console...No luck. I have a nice console but it is looking a little tired. I'm thinking the sun has faded it a little and it looks dirty even though I washed it with mild soap and water. Has anyone successfully cleaned their console, making it look good again? or is the secret to spray it with trim paint? I appreciate any feedback I can get. Cheers, Chris